Tampa Lawyer Defending Against Violent Crimes Allegations
Violent crime charges are among the most aggressively prosecuted offenses in Florida and federal court. A conviction can lead to decades in prison, mandatory sentencing and lifelong consequences that affect every part of your future. If you or someone you know is being investigated for a violent offense, speaking with an experienced Tampa violent crimes lawyer should be your first step.
At The Law Office of Mark P. Rankin, P.A., attorney Mark Rankin brings over 15 years of experience in criminal defense, including high-stakes federal cases involving serious bodily harm, firearms and fatal injuries. He represents clients facing the full range of violent crime allegations in Tampa and throughout Florida.
What Qualifies As A Violent Crime?
Violent crimes typically involve the use or threat of physical force against another person. These cases often include allegations of:
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated battery
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Manslaughter
- Armed robbery
- Attempted murder
- Murder or homicide
- Domestic violence
- Sexual battery and other sex offenses
- Gun crimes involving the use or discharge of a firearm
The presence of a deadly weapon or physical threat can result in felony charges, regardless of whether someone was seriously injured. These offenses often carry enhanced penalties, including mandatory minimum prison terms under Florida’s 10-20-Life law.
Federal Violent Crimes Charges
As a criminal defense lawyer, attorney Rankin has significant experience handling violent crime cases in federal court, where the stakes are even higher. These charges often involve allegations of:
- Murder during the commission of another federal offense
- Racketeering or organized crime activity
- Use of a firearm in furtherance of a federal drug or violent crime
- Assault or homicide on federal property or involving federal employees
Federal violent crimes come with long sentences, complex charging documents and highly structured sentencing guidelines. Rankin has the skill and federal courtroom experience to manage these serious cases from investigation to trial.
Understanding Florida’s 10-20-Life Law
When a firearm is alleged to have been used, displayed or discharged during the commission of a felony, Florida’s 10-20-Life statute applies. Under this law, sentencing is mandatory and increases sharply depending on firearm conduct, that is:
- 10 years for possessing or displaying a firearm
- 20 years for firing it
- A minimum of 25 years to life if someone is seriously injured or killed.
These enhancements stack on top of the underlying Florida violent crime charges, making the risks extreme. A firearm allegation also changes how prosecutors approach the case. They frequently tack on enhanced counts, push for maximum penalties and try to make the weapon the centerpiece of the prosecution.
That makes early, strategic intervention from a Tampa violent crime attorney essential. Attorney Rankin’s federal and state practice means he scrutinizes chain-of-custody records, ballistic reports and witness statements. He also probes whether the firearm was actually linked to the defendant and whether evidence was lawfully obtained.
Are Violent Crimes A Felony?
Yes. Most violent crimes in Florida and federal courts are classified as felonies. The severity of the charge depends on the circumstances, including the presence of a weapon, the extent of injury and prior criminal history.
What Are The Penalties For A Violent Crime?
Penalties for violent crimes in Florida and federal court hinge on the charge, the facts and statutory enhancements such as 10-20-Life or habitual offender designations. In Florida, many violent felonies carry mandatory minimums that strip away judicial discretion, often resulting in long prison sentences.
Convictions can also bring supervised probation, court-ordered restitution and mandatory treatment programs. For the gravest offenses, such as murder or capital felonies, sentences may include life imprisonment or even capital punishment.
At the federal level, penalties are driven by sentencing guidelines that weigh the seriousness of the offense, prior criminal history and aggravating factors like firearm use or bodily injury. These guidelines routinely yield multidecade prison terms, accompanied by supervised release, steep fines and potential asset forfeiture.
Beyond incarceration, the following collateral consequences can be devastating:
- Loss of firearm rights
- Barriers to employment and housing
- Professional license suspensions
- Immigration problems for noncitizens
- Lasting damage to family and reputation
Because so much is on the line, Mark Rankin, a violent crime lawyer in Florida, approaches aggressively and tactically to counter the prosecution’s pressure with equal force. This helps ensure clients are never outmatched.
What Is Classified As A Violent Felony?
A violent felony typically includes crimes such as aggravated assault, robbery, homicide, armed burglary and any offense involving physical harm or the use of a weapon. In federal court, violent felonies may enhance sentencing in future cases under repeat offender statutes.
Speak With A Tampa Violent Crimes Lawyer To Build a Strong Defense Today
If you’re facing a violent crime investigation or charge, don’t wait. The Law Office of Mark P. Rankin, P.A., provides serious, experienced representation in gun crimes, sex offenses, murder and other violent felony cases in Florida and federal court.
Call attorney Rankin at 877-620-0898 or contact the firm online to schedule your free consultation. He is available to meet in Tampa, St. Petersburg or Clearwater – or virtually, if needed. Every case is handled directly and confidentially with the goal of protecting your rights and future.